Hello, I'm OLENO, a sock sommelier.
On the days when you feel satisfied and think, "I walked 10,000 steps today!", take a look at your feet.
Are your socks damp? Are they chafing? Are the soles of your feet tired?
Walking every day is healthy. But, asking yourself if your socks really fit your walking habits will have a big impact not only on the comfort of your feet, but also on your overall physical condition and fatigue.
【table of contents】
1. Why should you pay attention to the "material of socks"?
2.Compare the characteristics of each material
3. Different materials can make all the difference to your feet
4.What materials and structures are recommended for walkers?
5. Socks are not consumables, but an investment in your body
1. Why should you pay attention to the "material of socks"?
When choosing socks, we tend to focus on the size, length, and design. However, something that is often overlooked is the material.
The material makes a big difference:
- Eases stuffiness
-Easy to dry
・Odor generation
・Cushioning of the soles of the feet and fatigue
- Easily worn and torn
In particular, for people who walk a lot to commute to work, people who do a lot of standing work, people who run, and people who enjoy walking or trekking as a hobby, the material of their socks can make their day either comfortable or uncomfortable.
2.Compare the characteristics of each material
Now let's compare some commonly used materials.
◆ Cotton material
Water absorption: ◎
Ease of drying: △
Sweat-proof: △
Abrasion resistance: △
Breathability: Yes
They are popular for their gentle feel against the skin, but they are slow to dry after absorbing sweat and can become stuffy and smelly if worn for long periods of time.
◆ Polyester/nylon (synthetic fiber) material
Water absorption: △
Ease of drying: ◎
Sweat-resistant: ○
Abrasion resistance: ◎
Breathability: △
They are highly durable and are the mainstream for sports socks. However, since they do not absorb sweat, care must be taken that they do tend to become stuffy.
◆ Merino wool
Water absorption: ◎
Ease of drying: ○
Sweat-resistant: ◎
Abrasion resistance: Yes (depending on processing)
Breathability: ◎
Odor resistance: ◎
Although it is a natural material, it is highly functional and truly an all-purpose material. It has excellent moisture absorption and breathability, and is also strong at preventing odors. Recently, its durability has also improved thanks to the latest spinning technology.
3. Different materials can make all the difference to your feet
For people who walk more than 10,000 steps a day, choosing the right material for their socks is a matter that affects fatigue , comfort , and hygiene .
For example:
Socks that get sweaty easily can cause the skin to soften and lead to blisters and blisters.
Socks without cushioning can cause damage to the soles of your feet and lead to fatigue.
Materials with poor breathability may increase the risk of heatstroke in the summer.
Materials with poor odor resistance are breeding grounds for foot odor and bacterial growth.
"My legs have been feeling heavy lately." "I'm worried about the smell." "My socks get torn easily."
If any of these apply to you, it may be a sign that the material is not suitable for you.
4.What materials and structures are recommended for walkers?
So, which material is best for someone who walks 10,000 steps a day?
◎ Merino wool is the best
-Natural temperature regulating function keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter
・Doesn't get stuffy or smelly even when you sweat
-Highly breathable and moisture-wicking
・Recently, the latest technology has cleared the "durability" requirement.
This material is suitable for any occasion, whether commuting, working while standing, traveling, or outdoors.
Furthermore, among merino wool socks,
Pile structure with cushioning
If you choose shoes with arch support and compression design , you will be able to walk for long periods of time comfortably and your feet will feel lighter.
5. Socks are not consumables, but an investment in your body
It's true that cheap socks are easy to get your hands on, but I think they also have disadvantages such as being more likely to tear and not as comfortable as other items.
Even though socks made from high-performance materials are somewhat expensive, we believe they offer the following "real value for money."
Longer lasting → Less frequent replacement
Does not easily wear out even after washing → Does not easily lose its shape
Reduces odor and stuffiness → Reduces the number of washing times
Maintaining healthy feet → Helps reduce medical expenses and fatigue
"If you want to take care of your body, start with your feet"
That's no exaggeration.
Summary | Socks are "wearable conditioners"
Are the socks you are wearing now made of a material that can withstand 10,000 steps of walking?
They're just socks, but they're still socks.
It's worth carefully choosing a partner who will support you every step of the way.
If you're currently experiencing minor discomfort in your feet, it may be due to the material.
Choosing socks that are comfortable and don't tire your feet every time you walk can dramatically change the quality of your life, starting from your feet.
At OLENO, we have developed socks that are perfect for walking 10,000 steps a day, so please give them a try.
